Chorus Handbook

C.C. Griffin Middle School

8th Grade Math Information

Teacher: H. Pfister2020/2021 – Team Megamind

Welcome to 8th Grade Math! Below is a general outline pertaining to this course, as well as guidelines and procedures for my classroom. Once you have read through the materials, please complete the attached sheet with your signature.

Course Description

CC Griffin uses The Balanced Approach through the Connected Math Project 3. This encourages students to use math analytically, visually, and technically. It also promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and real-world mathematics.

8th Grade Math will consist of the following Topics:

· Growth Mindset Week of Inspiration 

· Buildings - Equations, Slope, & Graphing

· Thinking with Mathematical Models – Functions and Statistical Reasoning

· Say it With Symbols – Expressions, Linear Equations & Inequalities

· It’s in the System – Systems of Equations

· Butterflies Pinwheels and Wallpaper – Transformations & Similarity

· Growing, Growing, Growing – Properties of Exponents

· Looking for Pythagoras – Real Numbers and Pythagorean Theorem

Grading Policy

In-class and homework assignments are given to allow you to practice the concepts introduced in class. Math is a subject where practice makes perfect, so expect practice assignments nightly.

For all assignments, you should attempt each problem, and check answers if you are able. Show ALL of your work for each problem - no credit will be given for answers only. Sometimes you may be unable to complete a problem on an assignment. In such cases, you still need to communicate your thoughts and attempts to complete the problem. In this way you show that you sincerely tried to work the problem.

Breakdown of Grading:

My grading system is percentage-based and is used by the entire school.   The categories that you will have grades in are: 

Practice: (ALEKs, Classwork, and HW/Mini Quizzes): 30% of the grade.

Performance: (Tests, Projects, and Quizzes): 70% of the grade.

With online instruction students will have one week from the time grades are entered in to make up missing assignments. This will be indicated with an orange square & 0 in PowerSchool.

Absent Work: It is the student’s responsibility to check the MISSED ASSIGNMENTS FOLDER for the work they missed when absent. I will NOT seek out the student to offer a make-up assignment. Students have three (3) days from their return to school to complete and return the assignment in order to receive credit. It is extremely important that students learn the value of deadlines since they will be faced with them for the rest of their lives. In an emergency, however, I will allow an extension - the student must let me know of the situation as soon as possible.

Supplies Needed

· 3 Subject Notebook: lined paper for daily notes and class activities

· Pencils: for daily use!

· Clear Tape:  students will tape worksheet/handouts in their daily 3 subject notebook

· Color Pencils or Pens: Students are requested to use color pencils or pens for daily notes. Different colors will be used to indicate each mathematical step. This will help students remember steps and assist parents/guardians when looking over their child’s work.

· Expo Marker with eraser (small sock): Students will use dry erase boards on occasion to work out math problems and graph equations.

Classroom Rules & Procedures

In order to make each class as productive as possible, certain behaviors must be maintained by each student. Unruly behavior from one student disrupts the entire class. The following behaviors should be observed at all times:

1. Follow all school rules and procedures.

2. Be Prepared! Bring ALL necessary materials to class daily (notebook, pencil, workbook, etc…).

3. Respect the classroom, teacher, and other students.

4. Cell phones are only allowed when given permission.

Should a student not adhere to these behavior guidelines the following consequences will occur:

1st Infraction: Warning

2nd Infraction: Reflection

3rd Infraction: Phone call to Parent/Guardian (Minor Referral)

4th Infraction: Involvement of Administration (Major Referral)

* I reserve the right to modify the order of consequences according to the severity of the infraction.

Teacher ExpectationsBe COMMITTED! You will get out of the class what you put into it!

Be RESPONSIBLE! You must be present, prompt & prepared! 

Be DEPENDABLE! You must follow through with the tasks that are assigned to you and/or your group members!

Be WILLING! You will have to work hard and sometimes step out of your comfort zone!

Be-LIEVE! You must have confidence in what you already know and have the willingness to learn something new!

Success for your child is my number one priority and becoming involved in your child's education is one way to guarantee success in the classroom. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of help to you or your child.Feel free to contact me by email (hope.pfister@cabarrus.k12.nc.us) or on Fridays from 11am – 1pm.

Student Name: ______________________________Name of Person to contact: __________________________

*I send out e-mail reminders of upcoming tests and projects. Please print your e-mail address (parent/guardian)legibly so you can receive these important notifications!

Daytime phone (please specify if it is work or home phone): ________________________________

Evening phone (please specify if it is work or home phone): _________________________________

Parent E-mail address(s): _____________________________ __________________________________

Is there anything you would like me to know about your son/daughter?